William Fèvre Saint Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2021

A gentle meander down the river Yonne, a few clicks west of Chablis, would bring you floating past the town of Irancy, and right through the commune of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux. With idyllic vineyards either side of you, you might notice the familiar limestone and chalk soils which are prevalent throughout the region - famed for their minerality. You might notice as well, the tight clusters of plump, white grapes hanging prominently on the vines. Ah, Chardonnay, you think to yourself…

No. Not Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc.

Wait… Sauvignon Blanc… in Burgundy?

Yes indeed.

The Saint Bris appellation is made up of some 125 hectares of vines and is the only appellation within the commune of Burgundy that allows Sauvignon Blanc as well as the lesser known Sauvignon Gris.

It is understood that Sauvignon Blanc was planted in the area after the devastating plague of Phylloxera that destroyed the majority of vineyards throughout Europe in the late 1800s. And given the success of this variety in the Loire Valley, it seemed prudent to plant it in Chablis. After decades of consistent quality and outstanding wines, Saint-Bris was finally recognised with its very own AOC status.

The wines are crisp and lively, laden with minerality from the classic Kimmeridgian soils, and almost always unoaked. Like its famous neighbour, the wines of Saint-Bris are bristling with latent power and drive, yet with an understated elegance that showcases the purity of the terroir.

This 2021 Saint-Bris transcends the unusual and becomes something entirely unique. It’s got the freshness and energy you’d expect from Sancerre, but with this chalky backbone that screams Chablis. Zesty citrus, flinty minerality, a bit of white blossom. Tight. Precise. Elegant. The kind of wine that sneaks up on you – and then doesn’t let go.